Newsroom Fellow (UK)

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. 

About This Role

We’re looking for an early-career journalist to fill a paid, entry-level position as a Newsroom Fellow. The journalist will work across Semafor’s coverage verticals, which run the gamut, covering geopolitics, climate change, technology, science, culture, business and finance, and US politics. 

The fellow is expected to help carry out administrative tasks, including helping build, produce, and publish a number of our newsletters. They will also help research stories alongside senior journalists, contribute short “World at a Glance” items to the website, and occasionally write Semafor’s unique version of Breaking News stories: Signals.

Ideal candidates would be self-starters, keen to get involved in a growing newsroom, and contribute in any and all ways, including administrative tasks, research, producing newsletters, and creating data visualizations to accompany our publications. Experience living or working in different countries is a plus, as are language skills.

As the position is based in London, candidates must retain the right to work in the UK. The Newsroom Fellow will report to the Breaking News Editor. Candidates will be asked to complete a writing exercise as part of the interview process.

Your Responsibilities

• Work in a small team, providing critical admin, production, research, and other logistical support for Semafor across multiple verticals.
• At the direction of other editors, provide research and support for the reporting of stories and the production of newsletters and other products.
• Work with the Breaking News Editor to write World at a Glance items, Signals and breaking news stories for a globally aware and sophisticated audience.
• Stay on top of a broad range of issues to be able to identify topics of most interest to readers
• Collaborate closely with the rest of Editorial work seamlessly across all of Semafor, and contribute to other products as they are developed.

What Makes You Qualified

• A demonstrated interest in high-quality, globe-spanning journalism
• Prior experience (including fellowships or internships) and NCTJ or other journalism-related education qualifications are not required, but is an advantage
• A passion for world events and issues and a broad interest in a wide range of subjects
• A willingness to take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities
• A broad reading list across conventional and unconventional sources
• An eagerness to be part of a dynamic work environment demanding initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed to help the team succeed
• Prior experience living or working in different countries, or speaking different languages, is an advantage

Base Compensation: £30,000-35,000 per annum pro rata 

This is a fixed-term employment contract of six months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of two years. Standard working hours are from 9am to 6pm local time, Monday through Friday. 

Additional job details

Comprehensive employee benefits: 20 days of Paid Time Off plus bank holidays, Paid Parental Leave, supplemental Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, monthly mobile phone and home office stipend, modern and casual office environment with various amenities, hybrid work arrangement (in-office Mon-Thurs, remote Fri). Benefits programs vary by country and are subject to eligibility requirements.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.